BETEL NUT BOXES; The Chosen Collection

BETEL NUT BOXES 
Tempat Sirih - Pinang 
THE CHOSEN COLLECTION OF SIWALIMA MUSEUM

Introduction

The using of “sirih-pinang” (sirih=betel leaf / Piperaceae and pinang=areca nut / Areca catechu Linn) is not only known in Maluku but also through the whole Indonesian archipelago, South east Asia and Melanesia. Since when “sirih-pinang” were used by our ancestor in Maluku is not known. Sirih and pinang are chewed together with a mixture of lime, tobacco, betel flower (fruit) and others.  

Nowadays, “sirih-pinang” are not only for daily enjoyment but it also functions as medicine, prestige, social interaction, initiation rituals, offerings to the soul of the ancestors and religious rituals  and customs.The “sirih-pinang” plays a central role during all those rituals. As a media of enjoyment “sirih-pinang” is used either by men and women. The using of “sirih-pinang” in the city has been replaced by cigarettes, but is still alive in the villages.

The Chosen “sirih-pinang” Collection

1. Wlaya

This “sirih-pinang” media originates from Iblatmumta, Babar island in South Western Maluku. It is called “wlaya” and is only used during sacred rituals. This triangle “sirih-pinang” media is formed by three stages; the upper stage symbolizes the place of the deities and Upulera (the cretor), the center stage symbolizes  the place where humans live and the lower stage is the place of the souls of the ancestors as the source of power, strength, protection and prosperity. The accompanying media are a bamboo tube to put in sopi (alcoholic drink derived from palmwine), a “sirih-pinang” pounder and “kain basta” a piece of cloth considered sacred.

 

2. Tampa Tabaku

A small “sirih-pinang” and tobacco basket originates from the village Klis on the island of Moa South Western Maluku. It is made of plaited pandanus leaves and especially made for a wedding ritual.

3. Epo

A “sirih-pinang” bag made of woven tree fibers. The surface of the bag is smeared with animal blood. It has 2 pockets. Stuff usually brought in this “sirih-pinang” bag are “sirih-pinang”, tobacco, knife and matches.

4. Tempat Sirih

Plaited “sirih-pinang” box made of pandanus leaves adored with geometric motives. Originates from the island Buano. It is made for daily use or to sell as souvenir.

5. Tempat Sirih

Plaited “sirih-pinang” box made of pandanus leaves adored with geometric motives. Originates from the island Buano. It is made for daily use or to sell as souvenir.

6. Lopa Lopa

Lopa-Lopa, sometomes called Barua is a “sirih-pinang” bag typical to Ambon and Seram island  . Made of sago material (water proof). Used during hunting in the forest or fishing at see. It contains “sirih-pinang”, tobacco and matches.

7. Tasi

Made  of red tarpaulin by the Nualu tribe of Seram island. The Nuaulu tribe is considered the native tribe of Seram. Tasi is made to take along “sirih-pinang”, tobacco, matches, magic spell, an amulet and other stuff when they go hunting. It is said that this bag will boost out colored rays of light when an evil spirit is in the neighborhood. 

8. Pota

A betel nut box made of red colored sewed pandanus leaves. Red color are sacred to the Nuaulu tribe of Seram island. This “sirih-pinang” is only used during wedding rituals.